Hitachi 42HDT52 Plasma TV Review

Out of the box the set looks like a piece of art with sleek lines and thin profile. But the TV really shows off when you turn on the power. The TV features Quick Start Seamless HDTV and NTSC tuners so that getting programs is easy an intuitive. A CableCARD interface allows the subscriber to digital cable to receive any HD broadcasts the provider offers.

The Hitachi 42HDT52 features a technology called Virtual HD 1080p II. This system has an impressive 12-bit/68 billion color capability and dynamic histogram processing that really puts out incredible contrast, color and image sharpness. In order to accomplish this, each frame of video is analyzed and optimized as its being received so that the viewer only gets a crisp, smooth image.

Another piece of technology that found it's way onto the 42HDT52 is their proprietary ALiS (Alternate Lighting of Surfaces Panel). This works by removing the barriers between pixels in order to squeeze more of them on screen. With this system more than one million will fit on the 42" screen. Additionally, ALiS matches 1024 lines of the 1080i that HDTV broadcasts produce in order to reproduce extra fine details that other plasma TVs might miss.

The Hitachi 42HDT52 was given an enhanced gas and phosphor formula to make the picture 10% brighter than other plasma TVs in its class as well as giving it a near 60,000 hours of life use. People who watch progressive scan movies know that there are inherent problems when playing those films on certain systems. The problem lies in the frames per second rate. In progressive scan films the rate is 24 fps, however most plasma displays play video at 30 fps. The Hitachi 42HDT52 solves that problem by using the Virtual HD 1080p II, which employs reverse pulldown to make the frame rate the same. The system works by duplicating the original film and removing the redundant information so that the proper frame rate is displayed. The result is a smooth image without any noticeable difference in quality.

The Hitachi 42HDT52 includes interfaces for DV and IEEE1394 with total control over AV so users can record to hard drives without trouble. If you're using this set as a home theater, set up is made easier with Hitachi's Learning AV NET IV system, which simplifies the control of a complete home theater set-up with only one interface. Infa-red repeaters work in conjunction with on-screen software keys so users can operate up to four components. Also, the AV NET can learn new commands in order to control external components such as DVD players, VCRs and AV receivers.

Users of digital cameras or other USB storage devices can easily view their pictures on the Hitachi 42HDT52 with its USB port. In addition to USB the TV comes complete with 2 HDMI audio/video inputs and 2 Wideband component inputs.

While most plasma TVs come with a tabletop stand, the Hitachi 42HDT52 uses an innovative, remote control powered swivel stand. While it might seem like a gimmick, think about sitting on the couch, noticing a slight glare on the screen and only having to tap a button to rectify the problem.

Stereo sound is delivered via two side-mounted speakers. The separation is much better in this format than the other plasma displays that use bottom mounted speakers systems.

Conclusion

Best DVD Recorder Reviews Rating

10/10

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